Music fans must experience an outdoor concert at this legendary outdoor venue! Renowned for its natural acoustical qualities and featuring towering red sandstone monoliths with breathtaking Denver views, summer concerts at this outdoor venue offer an unforgettable musical experience.
John Brisben Walker initiated this tradition in 1912 by inviting musicians to perform on a platform situated between Ship Rock and Creation Rock. Local architect Burnham Hoyt created continental seating with excellent sightlines and superior acoustics for this event.
History
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado has long been used by the Ute tribe and later by Western expansion as a tourist attraction. Publisher John Brisben Walker began staging concerts here as early as 1900 on a temporary platform between Ship Rock and Creation Rock (two 300-foot monoliths that flank either side of today’s stage).
By 1936, federal funding had been secured for a project to transform the amphitheater into an outdoor theater. Denver architect Burnham Hoyt was hired and 200 men from the Civilian Conservation Corps were assembled to work on roadways and bank side sloping. Since that time, musicians have taken advantage of its proximity to sell out larger venues elsewhere by performing at this venue instead. Many performances have also been recorded and later released as concert videos; U2 even performed their 1983 show which became one of their bestselling long-form live albums!
Seating
Red Rocks Amphitheater provides concertgoers with an extraordinary musical event experience in an unforgettable atmosphere. Its high elevation provides cool mountain breezes and magnificent celestial displays, adding another dimension to watching live shows at Red Rocks.
The venue offers a carefully-managed alcohol policy to allow fans to consume alcoholic beverages during certain concerts in designated areas, while providing non-alcoholic options at concession stands throughout the amphitheater.
Pre-show parties tend to erupt into lively parties at the parking lot before shows start, with several great local restaurants nearby. Those seeking convenience may also wish to use Bus To Show’s shuttle buses – with pickup locations throughout Fort Collins, Boulder and Denver – as an alcoholic beverage-inclusive shuttle option to and from the venue.
Views
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an oasis for music fans. From live brass bands and solo singers performing their tunes to soloists singing their hearts out at Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s funnel-like venue, Red Rocks is an irresistibly musical destination with natural acoustics making this venue one of the premier spots to perform and record bands and musicians alike.
The park’s majestic sandstone monoliths are truly mesmerizing to witness. Over time, their formations have developed tilts, slopes, and cracks – evidence of glacier-era freeze-thaw cycles.
Dinosaur Ridge, a four-mile backtrail featuring approximately 300 Cretaceous dinosaur footprints and Jurassic dinosaur bones from Cretaceous to Jurassic period dinosaurs, provides an unforgettable hiking trail experience at this amphitheater. Along with concerts, this venue also hosts events like classic movies under the stars or outdoor workout sessions for an exciting outdoor workout experience.
Facilities
Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Morrison, Colorado is the world’s only naturally-occurring acoustic amphitheater and offers breathtaking views from every seat. Boasting seating capacity of over 9000, the venue has long been a favorite destination of musicians as well as movie makers alike; additionally it’s home to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame!
Red Rocks Amphitheater features various seating options ranging from general admission to reserved. Each show will vary in terms of its seating chart; guests should check before purchasing tickets. It should be noted that Red Rocks stands 6,450 feet above sea level; it is best to bring comfortable fitness shoes and plenty of water, with anyone who is sensitive to altitude taking extra precaution. Ideally, guests should arrive early for concerts at Red Rocks.
Parking
If you are planning to attend a concert at Red Rocks, it is wise to arrive early and plan for any possible long lines and congestion at this popular venue. In addition, booking cheap parking spaces ahead can help make the experience more pleasurable and stress-free.
At this venue there are five parking lots, but the Upper North Lot is by far the nearest and typically fills quickly. Other lots include Lower South Lots 1 and 2. It is advised that visitors wear comfortable footwear when entering the amphitheater, as there may be several steep stairs.
Food, blankets, binoculars, empty reusable bottles and seat cushions may be brought by guests as long as no strollers are present. A face mask for Covid-19 purposes or medical needs that only covers nose and mouth is permitted as long as its coverage extends only from these areas.